See Why Diageo's Gurgaon Office Is the Ultimate Cure for the Sunday Scaries

Photography by Shubham Sharma

If your workspace is feeling a little too fluorescent and a lot too cubicle, Diageo Workplace in Gurgaon, India, has all the right vibes. You’re going to want to cue up the lo-fi beats because this space embodies the Diageo ethos: “Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.”

Designers at M Moser Associates took 7,700 square meters (about 83,000 square feet) and created a community space for 300 employees to share moments, togetherness, and hospitality through design. This wasn’t just an extra, “nice” sentiment; more than half of the office has dedicated community spaces.

Apropos for a spirits company, the design team wanted to bring in industrial environments reminiscent of distillation production while celebrating craft tradition and the heritage of India. Lakhori brickwork, handmade tiles, brass, and Jali screens reflect local elements. And local artisans made a grain, berry, and leaf-inspired installation. The absolutely stunning copper and oak helical staircase unites all three floors and the Central Canteens and Central Cafe.

Remember, only half of this building is designated for focused work, in spaces like The Workshop. Otherwise, there is The Distillery, a bar and lounge for casual work and training; The Cafe, a collaborative space; and The Lounge, which offers a peaceful retreat. Additionally, The Spring acts as a wellness suite for yoga, prayer, and quiet time, in case you weren’t sure if this workplace could get any better. There are so many more spaces for collaboration, focused work, and even play (yes, there is a game room).

Remarkably, the M Moser team also focused on sustainability, sourcing more than 73% of materials within 500 km and reducing consumption with low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC. The Diageo Workplace, Gurgaon, truly reflects the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, culture, and community. And people are taking note. This office has received international acclaim, earning an AIA Hong Kong Honor Award and Sustainability Award and an IIDA Best of Asia Pacific Design Award, among others.

I think working in this space just might be the solution to everyone’s Sunday scaries.

—Louis Noha